portrait de Peter Vlasveld

Peter Vlasveld

Intermediate Software Developer

Cyclica

Created On: November 29, 2022
Sector:
Information Technology
Education Pathway: University
Related School Subjects:
Biology,  Biotechnology,  Chemistry,  Computer Science,  Health,  Physics
Readability:
6.1

Learn About My Career

I write backend code for web apps that help in Cyclica's drug discovery efforts.

I was born/grew up in: Guelph, Ontario

I now live in:  Toronto, Ontario

I completed my training/education at:  I studied Computer Science at Algonquin College in Ottawa. I then studied Neurosciences and Philosophy at the University of Toronto. I followed this with a graduate certificate in Bioinformatics at Seneca College in Toronto.

I mostly write features for the backend code of our internal apps at Cyclica. The skills I use the most from my education are algorithms and data structure knowledge. I learned these skills during my time studying Computer Science, as well as my Bioinformatics education. I had a great prof in my Bioinformatics program. This person taught me an unbelievable amount about databases in a very short period, and it really stuck with me. Now, at Cyclica, I tend to be the go-to guy for database design knowledge. I give all the credit to that one prof!

In terms of problem solving and making decisions, I try to take a design centered approach. I always try to write clean, well-designed, code the first time. Then we go over that initial design to optimize it as we go. I have recently become an advocate for using Test Driven Development (TDD). This process increases code quality and provides a living document of code features and bugs.

This isn't exactly what I expected to do when I was in high school, but it is close. I felt lost for a long time, in between. In high school, I knew I wanted to work with computers. I really didn't have much interest in science, though I was good at physics. When I left high school, I immediately applied for a computer science program. During the computer science program, I got interested in science through my own self-learning. That lead me to studying Neuroscience.

During the neuroscience program, I took one Philosophy course, and I was hooked. After University, I felt completely lost. I had these three subjects that I loved, but they had nothing to do with each other. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. My wife suggested that I go into Bioinformatics. This was the perfect program! It ticked all the boxes: it had computer science, it had biology, and in a way, you could say it even had some philosophy.

After taking the Bioinformatics program, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. That's when I met someone at Cyclica who was interested in hiring me. So it's kind of funny, because when I was in high school, I wanted to be a programmer. I just didn't know that I would take all those detours to get where I am now. However, I am glad that I took the path that I did because I learned a lot about myself in the process.

I am a programmer at heart! The potential effect of the code I write, and the science behind it, is fascinating. However, the thing that excites me the most, and that I find the most interesting, is the code itself. I love discovering new ways to improve things. I enjoy learning about new data structures, and packages that I didn't know about before. This stuff is really exciting and fun to learn! If I can ship clean, well-tested code, then I am happy. The impact, and the science are the icing on the cake for me.

Cyclica is engaged in important drug discovery efforts. These could affect millions of people if we are able to ship life-saving drugs or even repurpose existing drugs. This is what keeps me motivated to do the work that I do. I also happen to just really like programming for the sake of the code rather than just for the outcome!

Outside of work I do a lot of DevOps stuff. I have what you might call a "home lab" full of servers that I maintain and experiment with. It’s a lot of fun! I also really like rock climbing. That is the main way that I get exercise. In terms of volunteering, I try to contribute to as many open source projects that I can.

I would say, don't be afraid to explore, and don't despair if you feel lost. There is a right career out there for you. You just have to find your niche. You may not find it right away, but that's okay.

What I do at work

I mostly write features for the backend code of our internal apps at Cyclica. The skills I use the most from my education are algorithms and data structure knowledge. I learned these skills during my time studying Computer Science, as well as my Bioinformatics education. I had a great prof in my Bioinformatics program. This person taught me an unbelievable amount about databases in a very short period, and it really stuck with me. Now, at Cyclica, I tend to be the go-to guy for database design knowledge. I give all the credit to that one prof!

In terms of problem solving and making decisions, I try to take a design centered approach. I always try to write clean, well-designed, code the first time. Then we go over that initial design to optimize it as we go. I have recently become an advocate for using Test Driven Development (TDD). This process increases code quality and provides a living document of code features and bugs.

My career path is

This isn't exactly what I expected to do when I was in high school, but it is close. I felt lost for a long time, in between. In high school, I knew I wanted to work with computers. I really didn't have much interest in science, though I was good at physics. When I left high school, I immediately applied for a computer science program. During the computer science program, I got interested in science through my own self-learning. That lead me to studying Neuroscience.

During the neuroscience program, I took one Philosophy course, and I was hooked. After University, I felt completely lost. I had these three subjects that I loved, but they had nothing to do with each other. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. My wife suggested that I go into Bioinformatics. This was the perfect program! It ticked all the boxes: it had computer science, it had biology, and in a way, you could say it even had some philosophy.

After taking the Bioinformatics program, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. That's when I met someone at Cyclica who was interested in hiring me. So it's kind of funny, because when I was in high school, I wanted to be a programmer. I just didn't know that I would take all those detours to get where I am now. However, I am glad that I took the path that I did because I learned a lot about myself in the process.

I am motivated by

I am a programmer at heart! The potential effect of the code I write, and the science behind it, is fascinating. However, the thing that excites me the most, and that I find the most interesting, is the code itself. I love discovering new ways to improve things. I enjoy learning about new data structures, and packages that I didn't know about before. This stuff is really exciting and fun to learn! If I can ship clean, well-tested code, then I am happy. The impact, and the science are the icing on the cake for me.

How I affect peoples’ lives

Cyclica is engaged in important drug discovery efforts. These could affect millions of people if we are able to ship life-saving drugs or even repurpose existing drugs. This is what keeps me motivated to do the work that I do. I also happen to just really like programming for the sake of the code rather than just for the outcome!

Outside of work I

Outside of work I do a lot of DevOps stuff. I have what you might call a "home lab" full of servers that I maintain and experiment with. It’s a lot of fun! I also really like rock climbing. That is the main way that I get exercise. In terms of volunteering, I try to contribute to as many open source projects that I can.

My advice to others

I would say, don't be afraid to explore, and don't despair if you feel lost. There is a right career out there for you. You just have to find your niche. You may not find it right away, but that's okay.

When I was a student I enjoyed:

  • Drama
  • Technology
  • Computer Science

When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:

  • Enjoyed doing things on my own
  • Enjoyed working with my hands
  • Played video games
  • Liked being given specific instructions
  • Wasn't sure what I wanted to do
  • Liked to take things apart to see how they worked
  • Liked to design or build things
  • Learned best "by doing"

Related Topics

Careers Computer Programming Computer Science Computer Software Computers Information and Communication Technologies Information Technology Pharmaceuticals

Explore More Career Profiles

  • Brianna Lummerding à genoux près d’un cerceau en plastique collectant des échantillons dans un champ herbeux.

    Brianna Lummerding

    Career Profiles

    Agronomic Innovation Manager

    I look after all things related to soil management for a group of retailers.
    Learn More Brianna Lummerding
  • Li Tan, vêtu d'une blouse de laboratoire de couleur blanche, souriant dans son laboratoire.

    Li Tan (he/him)

    Career Profiles

    Molecular Lead

    I coordinate the day-to-day operations in the DNA Extraction Lab.
    Learn More Li Tan (he/him)
  • Tyler Mohard wearing lab coat and hair net as he works in the SyLMAND lab

    Tyler Morhart (video)

    Career Profiles

    Scientist, Beamline Responsible - SyLMAND

    I am responsible for the SyLMAND beamline at the Canadian Light Source synchrotron facility.
    Learn More Tyler Morhart (video)
  • Five people, each wearing a white lab coat, standing around a lab bench that has scientific equipment on it.

    Li Tan (Video)

    Career Profiles

    Molecular Lead

    I coordinate the day-to-day operations in the DNA Extraction Lab.
    Learn More Li Tan (Video)
  • portrait par Rashell Featherstone

    Rashell Featherstone (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Senior Program Associate

    I coordinate projects for the development of new products at STEMCELL.
    Learn More Rashell Featherstone (she/her)
  • Kira Hoffman portant un casque rouge avec de la fumée en arrière-plan

    Kira Hoffman (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Postdoctoral Researcher/Fire Ecologist

    I am a researcher at both a university and a not-for profit organization where I am gaining experience to become a senior researcher.
    Learn More Kira Hoffman (she/her)
  • Zoe Ehlert closely examining a plan that has yellow flowers

    Zoë Ehlert (Video)

    Career Profiles

    Manager, Marker Assisted Breeding

    I lead a team that develops canola crops by breeding plants with traits we are looking for.
    Learn More Zoë Ehlert (Video)
  • Daniel Meister headshot

    Daniel Meister

    Career Profiles

    Master's Student, Kinesiology

    Learn More Daniel Meister
  • Zoë Ehlert, vêtue d'une blouse de laboratoire blanche, pose une boîte en carton sur une étagère.

    Zoë Ehlert

    Career Profiles

    Manager, Marker Assisted Breeding

    I lead a team that develops canola crops by breeding plants with traits we are looking for.
    Learn More Zoë Ehlert
  • Jennifer Baltzer portant une casquette et un tee-shirt violet avec des arbres en arrière-plan.

    Jennifer Baltzer (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Professor and Canada Research Chair in Forests and Global Change

    I work at a university, teaching students and conducting research on the impact of climate change on forests in Canada and around the world.
    Learn More Jennifer Baltzer (she/her)
  • Caitlyn Lyons, prête pour la forêt avec son sac à dos et ses outils de collecte de données. La photo insérée montre Caitlyn examinant une section de gazon.

    Caitlyn Lyons (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Ph.D. Candidate

    I am working towards my PhD and studying the forests in the Northwest Territories.
    Learn More Caitlyn Lyons (she/her)
  • Joann Whalen headshot

    Joann Whalen

    Career Profiles

    Professor at the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,

    I teach advanced courses on how to manage soils to produce healthy, nutritious food and maintain healthy ecosystem functions.
    Learn More Joann Whalen